L’Ormarins
South Africa
Philosophy
L’Ormarins is dedicated to giving Cape expression to Old World wine techniques, pioneering a new category within Cape Wine. While Méthode Cap Classique has become established in South Africa, the winery strives to consistently create high-quality examples, setting industry standards. L’Ormarins also produces Sagnac, Eau de Vie, and Late Bottled Vintage wines, offering a distinctly South African interpretation of iconic French and Portuguese styles.
History
Between 1688 and 1689, around 150 exiled Huguenots emigrated to the Cape via Holland. Among them was Jean Roi, who received land along the Berg River. The area, previously known as De Olifantshoek, became known as Franschhoek.
Jean Roi and the Birth of L’Ormarins
In 1694, Jean Roi occupied the land that would become L’Ormarins, naming it after his hometown, Lourmarin, in French Provence. He planted orchards and 4,000 vines for wine and grain production. In 1714, Simon van der Stel officially granted L’Ormarins to Jean Roi.
The Cellar
The original cellar still exists and has been restored. In the 19th century, families from the Franschhoek community brought grapes to the cellar, each with their own vat marked with their family crest. These vats, some still with crests, were used to vinify and store wine for family use.
The Rupert Era
In 1833, L’Ormarins produced South Africa’s first Champion Brandy and White Wine. Dr. Anton Rupert acquired L’Ormarins in 1968 and restored the Manor House (1811) and Historic Cellar (1799) in 1984, both national monuments. By 1989, under the direction of Anton Rupert’s son, Anthonij Rupert, L’Ormarins won every major local wine competition.
Modern Day L’Ormarins
After Anthonij Rupert passed away in 2001, Johann Rupert took over L’Ormarins. In 2004, he built a state-of-the-art, gravity-fed cellar with a revolving ceiling and underground barrel cellar, naming it the Anthonij Rupert Cellar. That year, internationally acclaimed oenologist Michel Rolland joined as consultant, and the first vintage of Anthonij Rupert Wines was released in 2009.